200 Amp breaker

The 200 amp main breaker in my new Square D panel is tough to switch on and off, and certainly more stiff than my old 100 amp one.

Is this normal?

The contacts are twice as large, so yes, I think it is normal for it to be stiffer. It also uses a bigger spring to ensure it can break the connection. To overcome the effects when 200A is flowing, and the resulting heat, it applies more pressure to the contacts so they can achieve minimal voltage drop across.

On super large breakers, they have a rachet handle to pump it back closed.

Thank you, and very informative.